The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gives owners a flexible solution of increased sustainability, without the range anxiety. The PHEV offers a real-world EV driving range that suits the kind of use that most family cars are put to: short city and suburban drives in stop-go traffic (where internal combustion engines are at their least efficient). And, thanks to the seamless integration of the petrol engine, there is no range anxiety (or need for a second vehicle) for longer drives.

For owners who value the space, practicality and high ride-height of an SUV, it has the same SUV size as its Outlander petrol CVT sibling. The battery pack doesn’t devour boot space or compromise the dynamics – it is integrated into the floor, keeping the centre of gravity low and ensuring that the Outlander PHEV retains the practical advantages of a large boot and fold-flat rear seats.

For those looking for the improved handling on-road, offered by S-AWC, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a unique solution of having an electric motor for each axle which means that even in EV mode, the Outlander PHEV won’t compromise drivability and safety.

For the growing number of people looking to drive more sustainable vehicles, the Outlander PHEV is the perfect solution of sustainability, practicality and value.

More on-road presence

New for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a special Red Diamond premium metallic paint, originally developed for the Eclipse Cross, has been made available. This new paint is applied – amongst other steps –using a semi-transparent red coating incorporating mica flakes applied over several other layers before being itself covered by a final clear coating. This process involves a succession of two baking stages while specially-developed programs ensure a high quality finish.

An enhanced driving experience

Since its launch in 2013, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has continuously evolved to ensure it meets owner’s needs. This year it has taken the 2.4L petrol engine used in the Outlander to improve overall performance and on-road handling.

Senior Manager of Product Strategy Owen Thomson said “Since its introduction, the Outlander PHEV has retained its DNA as the first PHEV to market, but it has improved a number of safety and technical features, as well as a number of efficiency and performance measures, all in response to customer feedback. It doesn’t hold owners back, or ask them to buy a second family car; it enhances the overall driving experience and improves their fuel expenditure, without them having to worry about driving range.”

Powering the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a 2.4-litre petrol engine, which uses its MIVEC variable-valve timing system to seamlessly switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles depending on the driving situation. The larger capacity means the engine produces 195Nm torque across a wider rev range, when operating in moderate-to-high load situations such as inclines and rapid acceleration. At the same time, the petrol engine also manages to be more efficient because it can switch to the Atkinson cycle – where the inlet valve remains open for longer, effectively reducing the compression stroke, thereby decreasing its capacity and consequently burning less fuel – under light load conditions such as freeway cruising.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s dual powertrain means that it is not only efficient, but it also offers an improved driving experience. The Outlander PHEV’s approximate pure EV range is more than enough for most daily commutes: 54kms.

Three Drive modes

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers three Drive Modes, all automatically activated by the PHEV Operating System:

EV Priority Mode

Car powered by the front & rear motors

Energy sourced from the battery

Series Hybrid Mode

Car still powered by the front & rear motors

Engine engaged to run the generator to charge the battery while driving

Mode automatically activated for sudden acceleration, driving uphill or when the state of battery charge is too low

System switches back to EV Priority mode as much as possible

Parallel Hybrid Mode

Engine powers front wheels (via Multimode front transaxle*)

Front electric motor assists engine, rear motor drives rear wheels

Mode automatically activated at high speed

System switches to Series Hybrid/ EV Priority mode as much as possible

Improved driver comfort

Inside, the introduction of a power lumber adjustment has improved driver comfort across the range. Redesigned second-row seats have improved cushioning, offering a more comfortable driving experience for passengers. Passengers also benefit from the introduction of an additional rear USB charging ports (x2), and improved HVAC controls.

The introduction of a new overhead console, which incorporates sunglasses holder, seatbelt reminder and passenger airbag cut-off indicator gives the driver quick access to frequently used functions. (note that the Exceed does not have the sunglasses holder in this console in order to accommodate the sunroof).

The convenient new 8-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio infotainment system allows drivers to use Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® to access navigation directions optimised for traffic conditions, make and receive calls, access text messages and listen to music, all in a way that allows them to stay focused on the road. Other features, such as the paddle-adjustable regenerative braking system, remain key to the unique Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV driving experience and are therefore retained as before, with the recently revised instrument cluster providing the driver with more information as to the operation of the various drive systems.

Enhanced safety technology

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV benefits from the latest in MMC safety technology, with its advanced features working to protect occupants, other road users and pedestrians, both in determining the risk of an impending accident and in the event of a collision.

The SUV has a comprehensive passive safety architecture based on Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) impact safety body and seven SRS airbag arrangement. This includes airbags fitted in front driver and passenger, side and side curtain areas. The Dynamic Safety model benefits from additional active safety equipment including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and now Forward Collision Mitigation as standard (providing a visible and audible warning if a collision risk has been identified, escalating to autonomous braking if a high risk of collision has been determined).

The Outlander PHEV also has Unintended Acceleration Mitigation System (Exceed model) in case the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 6 mph). Rear parking sensors to improve safety at low speeds are standard on all models.

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